Turley appoints Sir Michael Bear as new Chair as Chief Executive Rob Lucas steps down after 31 years with the company

Turley, one of the largest independent UK planning consultancies, has announced changes to its senior leadership team following Rob Lucas’s decision to step down as Chief Executive after a highly successful 31 years with the company.

At the same time, Turley welcomes Sir Michael Bear as its new Chair and successor to Dr Nick Isbister, who has been Chair for the last three years, playing an invaluable role in guiding the company through the succession transition.

Sir Michael brings a wealth of experience to Turley from a distinguished career in property and construction, including executive and non-executive positions at Hammerson and Arup. He was CEO of the Spitalfields Development Group and most recently set up the Regeneration Investment Organisation at UKTI. Sir Michael was knighted in 2012 for services to regeneration, charity and the City of London, where he served as Lord Mayor.

Following these changes, Dave Trimingham, who was appointed in June 2016 as Managing Director, will continue to lead Turley’s day-to-day operations and work with Sir Michael and other members of the Turley senior leadership team on the strategic development of the business across the UK.

Turley is pleased to confirm that its national network of 11 offices, its 200 plus co-owners and many clients will continue to benefit from the insight, experience and expertise of Rob Lucas, who will assume a strategic consultancy role with the company. Nick Isbister will also stay on in a strategic advisory role through 2017.

Dave Trimingham, Managing Director of Turley said: “In his 31 years of service, Rob has been a tireless driving force behind the growth and diversification of our business. His combination of strategic steer, eye for detail and concern for people have become hallmarks of our company. As co-owners, we owe much to Rob for the passion and care he has invested in Turley.

“I am delighted that Sir Michael is joining as Chair. He is steeped in the markets in which we work and brings a wealth of business experience that will be invaluable to the next phase of the growth and diversification of Turley.”

Rob Lucas said: “Turley is one of my life’s works. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the company and its people grow into a leading UK planning and design consultancy. Such work is never finished and I am very pleased to welcome Sir Michael Bear to work alongside Dave Trimingham and with all our co-owners as we move into a new phase of development.”

Sir Michael Bear said: “I am joining Turley at a tremendously exciting time. Under Rob’s stewardship, it has become a leading national consultancy driven by a highly talented body of co-owners. My focus will be on positioning the business to take advantage of opportunities in a sector which will be so important to the growth of the UK, attracting attention both nationally and internationally.”

Dr Nick Isbister said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Turley and guide the company through succession. Turley has been exceptionally served by our immediate-past CEO, Rob Lucas. The business is in great shape for the next decade and I am very confident Dave and our hugely talented Senior Directors will carry the vision forward. Sir Michael’s appointment to the Chair role is a brilliant move. With these two in post, Turley is well placed for a new chapter of growth and progression”.